Welcome to Maldives

Want to get away, like really away? Head to the Maldives, a country of white sands, amazing marine life and even some previously uninhabited islands now open to tourists.

The Maldives is made up of more than 1,000 coral islands, so start by snorkeling your way around. Snorkel directly from your beach, or your overwater bungalow, or venture out on a pre-arranged boat trip. Some of the best reefs are Banana Reef, HP Reef and Manta Point. Dive deeper with scuba expedition to meet turtles, whale sharks and manta rays.

Take time to explore Male, the capital, and a boon for culture-seekers. There are museums that provide insight on the country’s heritage and markets to stroll and shop.

This is truly the closest you may ever get to a private island vacation – every resort in the area has its own island and there are countless to choose from. Guesthouses are increasingly available on islands that were not previously open to tourism, so be among the first to stay in these pristine settings.

Unique Facts

• The Maldivian government held the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting. Complete with scuba gear and oxygen tanks, the government officials met under the sea to create awareness of global warming.
• Divers can seek out the world’s biggest fish – the whale shark – in the Maldives. They live year-round in only a few areas of the world.
• Maldivians used to build their houses out of coral. You can still see some of them in Male, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Male Friday Mosque, dating back to 1656.
• The Maldives is the lowest country in the world at an average of 4.9 feet above sea level.
• Weekends in The Maldives are Friday and Saturday, whereas the weekdays are Sunday to Thursday.

Language

The Maldives’ official language is Dhivehi.

When To Go

The best time to go to The Maldives is between November and April (high season is December through March). The monsoon season is May to October. Northern atolls experience the highest rainfall from May through November; southern atolls experience the highest rainfall from November through March.

Airports

Male International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Visitor visa available at airport for up to 30 days.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting The Maldives: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types D and G. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Maldivian rufiyaa

Getting Around

Only a few islands support automobile traffic. Most transportation will be by boat or seaplane. The roads in Male are well maintained and the dirt roads on the resort islands are well kept. Within Male, transportation is on foot, by bus or fixed-rate taxis.

Driver’s License

A Maldives driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Colombo
210 Galle Road,
Colombo 03,
Sri Lanka
Telephone: +(94) (11) 249-8500
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(94) (11) 249-8888
Fax: +(94) (11) 249-8590
colomboacs@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Ministry of Tourism
5th Floor
Velaanaage Block 20096
Ameeru Ahmed Magu
Male, Maldives
Tel: +960-302-2200
info@tourism.gov.mv

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 119
Ambulance: 102
Police: 332 2111
Fire: 118

Safety and Security

The crime rate is moderate in The Maldives. Crime on resort islands is rare. Do not leave belonging unattended on beaches or in hotels.